IED Barcelona presents the macrotrends of the future in Fifteen of Fifty Book

July 10, 2018

Text Simone Natasha ReynoldsPhotos Courtesy of IED Barcelona

Barcelona – Over the past decade, design has proven to the world its relevance as an agent for producing change through innovation. In celebration of its 15-year anniversary, IED Barcelona Design University has published its first design forecast book - illustrating how IED has always predicted what design can do. Fifteen of Fifty, is a forward-looking publication that highlights innovative projects from the past fifteen years while also identifying the design thinking necessary to forge the future of the next fifteen. Including the insight of students, teachers, directors and alumni, Fifteen of Fifty maps out the future of design.

Fifteen of Fifty Book

Inside Fifteen of Fifty you will find Deflexor 2033: a macrotrend map that identifies the impending scenarios where design will explore solutions to solve society’s needs.

The map acts as a global transdisciplinary tool. The dynamic visualization directs users by identifying three major drivers for change that we can expect within the next fifteen years: globalization, demographics and technology. These drivers point to macrotrends like hyperconnectivity, an aging population and rapid urbanization (among others).

Alessandro Manetti, the General Director of IED Barcelona describes Deflexor 2033 as ‘a flexible compass’, and that is true as it navigates the user through a constellation of future scenarios. The scenarios no longer exist within one realm, but now require the engagement of multiple parties. How can one designer prepare for a future impacted by artificial intelligence, ageing populations and climate change? As a compass, the Deflexor engages the user to envision where and how design can step in. This is incredibly valuable for design institutions like IED to guide the critical design thinking necessary to approach these rapidly changing times.

Alongside the Deflexor 2033, the book also includes the university’s top 50 projects and the insights of alumni. The projects showcase the way design thinking can effectively approach topics like sustainability by creating biodegradable accessories for the fashion industry or how to mitigate the future of transportation by designing mobility systems that adapt for future driving experiences.

Fifteen of Fifty serves as proof of the institutions expert ability in providing solutions to society’s needs. In 15 years, IED Barcelona has seen more than 13,000 students graduate in fashion, design, visual communication and creative business management. The school is actively facilitating the bourgeoning design industry and strengthens the industry’s position as an agent to implement change.